- Military Developments and the Underground Collaboration
Following the collapse of the second wall's gate, the White Guardian Demon Wolf General (B?ch H? Ma Lang T??ng) once again descended into the underground tunnels to find a route past the third wall. The Lang King (Lang V??ng) entered with his Gigantic Three-Headed Dog, accompanied by the Earth Wolf General (Th? Lang T??ng) and Iron Wolf General (Thi?t Lang T??ng), to assault the third wall. The Fire Wolf General (H?a Lang T??ng) was deep in the underground tunnels searching for his son’s killer and became lost. The Black Guardian Divine Dog King (H?c H? Th?n Khuy?n V??ng) was resting to recover from his fierce battle with Ng?c Tr?n.
By this time, Prince Chau Ng?c Yên had traveled quite far, reaching the center of the underground city. Although he didn't voice it, the hideous and deformed figures he saw were becoming unbearable. At this moment, Noe arrived, accompanied by Heavenly Master Tr??ng (Vong Tr?n) and White Tiger (B?ch H?) (a beastman with a Tiger head and human body), to introduce themselves to the young Prince.
- Noe’s Diversion Plan
Noe spoke privately with Phong Tr?n, the primary commander there. News of the death of Phong Tr?n’s master, Ng?c Tr?n, had just arrived. Although he had been forewarned by Noe’s predictions, Phong Tr?n tried not to show his grief. Noe began outlining the plan:
"In summary, we have three main issues that need to be addressed:
- The Fire Wolf General: We need to eliminate him because his destructive power is immense; he will destroy this entire underground city and burn half the capital. We have a powerful formation here that can help you do this.
- The White Guardian Demon Wolf General: He is too dangerous. If he discovers this underground city, he will bring his army down to loot and destroy, and Prince Chau Ng?c Yên will be exposed. It is best to subtly guide him to the path that bypasses the third wall altogether.
- The Black Guardian Divine Dog King: He is a threat that none of us can stop by strength alone. Arrange a meeting for him with me, or keep him delayed for as long as possible, because he is excessively loyal. If he receives direct orders from the Lang King, the consequences will be dire."
Phong Tr?n suddenly looked up and asked: "Noe, you can speak with the Black Guardian Divine Dog King?"
Noe nodded. Phong Tr?n immediately said: "That's excellent. Wait, can this underground city be discovered? There are two threats; if either mission fails, the Prince will be in danger."
Noe nodded: "Yes, that's true..."
Phong Tr?n insisted: "Is there another way? A safer way, so that even if both missions fail, the Prince remains safe."
Noe replied: "Yes, simply get the Prince out of here. Outside the city is even better."
Phong Tr?n stated: "I require the highest level of security."
Noe sighed wearily at Phong Tr?n's perfectionism: "Alright, let me recalculate once more, but there are too many living creatures here, making calculations very difficult." Having said this, Noe found the most comfortable corner, lay down, and fell asleep, entering the Dream Realm (M?ng Gi?i) to calculate all possible scenarios.
- Phong Tr?n and Ng?c Tr?n’s Last Wish
Phong Tr?n assigned the Shadow Corps (ám B? Quan) to the tasks of diverting the Fire Wolf General and guiding the White Guardian Demon Wolf General upwards to bypass the third wall. This area had the highest wall and the strongest energy towers, but its defensive force was very weak because there was no general stationed there.
Phong Tr?n personally carried Noe's letter and went to meet the Black Guardian Divine Dog King. After observing his face and respectful demeanor, Phong Tr?n said: "With your permission, Divine Dog King, I request to retrieve the body of Ng?c Tr?n."
The Black Guardian Divine Dog King asked in surprise: "What relation are you to Grand General Ng?c Tr?n?"
Phong Tr?n bowed his head in respect: "Sir, he was my master."
The Black Guardian Divine Dog King said: "I will remember this name and your face. If we meet on the battlefield, for your master's sake, I will not kill you. Take his body, and bury him where he wished."
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
The Lang Army brought Ng?c Tr?n's body, which was covered in precious fragrant oil. The Black Guardian Divine Dog King called Phong Tr?n back and retrieved Ng?c Tr?n’s Black Sword (H?c Ki?m), saying:
"This is Ng?c Tr?n's Black Demon Sword (H?c Ma Ki?m), and I return it to you. To prevent Ng?c Tr?n's Inner Core (N?i ?an) from dissipating, I used my secret technique to affix the Inner Core to the Sword, ensuring the Demon Sword will no longer harm its master. You can use this sword to gain his Great Cloned Body Secret Art (Tuy?t H?c Phan Than ??i Pháp). Keep it as a gift from a worthy adversary."
Phong Tr?n took the sword and said: "May I ask for a name for it, Sir?"
The Black Guardian Divine Dog King was silent for a long time, then said: "I am not good with words. Call it the Ng?c Tr?n Sword or the Loyalty Sword (Trung Thành Ki?m), as you wish."
Phong Tr?n said: "Loyalty Sword is a wonderful name, truly reflecting my master's will. Thank you, Sir, for naming the sword."
- The Dialogue on Heavenly Dao and War
Following Phong Tr?n’s instructions, the Black Guardian Divine Dog King descended into the underground tunnels and wandered lost for many weeks. When he finally reached the underground city, the city was partially burned (the work of the Fire Wolf General). At the agreed meeting spot, Noe was waiting. The two met with smiles and warm greetings.
The Divine Dog King asked: "Why has this Chau Ng?c Kingdom fallen into such a terrible situation, Prophet?"
Noe asked in return: "Are you sad or regretful about something?"
The Divine Dog King replied: "Indeed, I feel both joy and sorrow. Initially, I participated in this campaign purely out of command, but upon meeting a man who understood me better than I understood myself, I cherished him greatly, yet I was the one who had to kill him. Fate's arrangement is truly strange; it gives me moments of euphoria, only to take them away immediately after, leaving a large void, forcing me to question the meaning of my life."
Noe said: "I understand. The feeling of possessing something precious only to lose it immediately is very unsettling. It will not be lost; it will live on in your heart."
The Divine Dog King showed his irritation: "Was this also arranged by the Heavenly Dao (Thiên ??o)? Everything is predetermined; the Heavenly Dao itself is toying with my emotions."
Noe said: "You speak of the theory of predestination. This is true; the Heavenly Dao has its Heaven's Record (Thiên Ghi) of everything that will happen, but that is only half the truth."
The Divine Dog King asked: "What is the other half of the truth?"
Noe said: "You must clearly distinguish between The Gods (Các Th?n) and the Heavenly Dao. These are two entirely different entities.
- The Gods are similar to humans; they have emotions and feelings. They always try to guide their people, their clans, and their nations towards the most benefit, naturally within the limits set by the Heavenly Dao.
- The Heavenly Dao, however, is compassionate but emotionless. It shows no favoritism, treating everyone equally and fairly."
The Divine Dog King asked: "Then what about the matter of Ng?c Tr?n?"
Noe answered: "That was his choice and his decision. He knew you well through his ability to analyze reports. Ng?c Tr?n had many choices; only the weak have no right to choose. He chose the most difficult path for the sake of honor and reputation, wanting to be the scapegoat (con dê gánh t?i), to cleanse the Shadow Corps organization."
The Divine Dog King asked: "Then why did he choose me?"
Noe said: "Because you are an excellent person who fights fairly, you are extremely powerful, and you have a good reputation. Dying at your hands is better than dying at the hands of anyone else."
The Divine Dog King lamented: "Oh, war, war, why do you cause so much suffering?"
Noe said: "War is not as bad as you think. If there is no war for too long, internal conflict will arise, and the empire will crumble by itself. This is the world's operating rule: Extreme Yang gives rise to Yin, Extreme Yin gives rise to Yang (D??ng c?c sinh ?m, ?m c?c sinh D??ng)."
The Divine Dog King became more agitated: "A prophet of the Heavenly Dao supporting war? Are you joking with me?"
Noe smiled: "Haha, you are reacting too strongly. Look, what are the benefits of not having war? Without an external enemy, there will be no need to strengthen power, optimize the administration, or face challenges to filter out weaknesses, excess, complacency, and internal decay, turning brothers who fought together into enemies.
So, what happens when there is war, when there is an external opponent? It becomes a forge for policies, economy, military, the need to improve weapons and equipment, reform laws, and standardize weights, currency, and writing."
The Divine Dog King said: "So this world is built to have war, built upon the blood and tears of countless innocent people?"
Noe smiled gently: "I told you, don't just look at half the truth and say that the Heavenly Dao is evil. The cycle of war and peace is like the cycle of the four seasons. It is not bad, but rather the driving force that keeps the world running. Because of the difficult winter, we must prepare during spring, autumn, and summer, creating the motivation for us to continuously develop."
The Divine Dog King asked: "So, is there truly no good empire?"
Noe concluded: "There is one, but it is in the post-apocalyptic era, when the divine realm appears on the surface. It will be a place that is ordered internally and chaotic externally, and that will thrive. This is an era unlike what the sacred texts have written—not a safe, joyful place where everyone just sings, but an order without peace eternal, a peace that entails public competition, not hidden rivalry..."